Bill > A06920

This bill amends the New York State Executive Law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on caste in various domains, including employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and internships. The bill defines "caste" as a social hierarchical structure that assigns individuals social status, roles, privileges, and disadvantages based on birth, typically enforcing hereditary status and limiting social and economic mobility. Specifically, the legislation adds caste as a protected characteristic alongside existing categories like race, color, national origin, and gender, making it illegal for employers, housing providers, businesses, creditors, and other entities to discriminate against individuals based on their caste. This means that employers cannot refuse to hire, fire, or treat employees differently because of their caste, landlords cannot deny housing, businesses cannot refuse service, and financial institutions cannot make lending decisions based on an individual's caste. The bill aims to provide legal protection against a form of discrimination that has historically been prevalent in some communities but was not explicitly addressed in previous anti-discrimination laws. By adding caste to the list of protected characteristics, the bill seeks to ensure equal opportunities and treatment for all individuals, regardless of their social or hereditary background.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6920